Our Procedures

About Your Visit and Treatment

What to expect during your consultation and visit:

Upon your first visit to our office our doctor will talk with you to try to determine the area and reason for your discomfort. You can expect an examination of the area of concern, which may include x-rays, and a comprehensive examination.

Should you require endodontic therapy our staff and doctor will explain the procedure and assist you with understanding the need for your endodontic treatment as well as the costs associated with the needed treatment.

What exactly is Root Canal Therapy?

Root Canal Therapy is one of the most common dental procedures performed with well over 14 million done every year. A root canal is done to save natural teeth and prevent the need for implants or bridges. It is usually done if there has been trauma to a tooth, an infection within the tooth, if deep decay is present or if there are cracks, chips or repeated dental procedures done to the tooth. Symptoms of the infection can be identified as visible injury or swelling of the tooth, sensitive to temperature or pain to the tooth and gums.

Root Canal Therapy has changed through the years. In most cases the time it takes to get a filling is the same time needed to do a root canal. We work in a way that is pain free for our patients. At Greater Washington Endodontics we use state of the art equipment, this includes the use of microscopes and 3D equipment to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Our doctors will work to remove the injured pulp within the tooth so that the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned and sealed. This therapy usually involves local anesthesia and may be completed in one or more visits depending upon the complexity of the case and treatment needed. This type of treatment has a 90% success rate. Our doctors will always inform you if complications arise and keep you informed of your treatment. We do offer nitrous oxide analgesia if preferred.

Costs?

The cost of endodontic care will vary and is dependent upon the case. Root Canal therapy is administered by dental specialists who have additional dental experience and education. These specialists invest in the use of special equipment to resolve issues within and around the tooth. The cost of this therapy is far less than implants and many other specialty dental procedures. The end goal is to save your tooth for many years to come!

NEED MONTHLY PAYMENT PLAN?

Call Now (703) 534-4884 and ask to speak to our Billing Department Specialist for further information on patient billing

Important Added Information for our Patients:

Before Treatment is Provided:

Continue all medication for blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid problems and other conditions recommended by your physician. If you should have a question about your medications please call us prior to your appointment.

We recommend you eat a full breakfast or lunch as applicable before your visit. If you have been advised by your physician or dentist to use an antibiotic premedication because of mitral valve prolapse (MVP), heart murmur, hip, knee, cardiac or other prosthesis, of if you have rheumatic heart disease, please make sure you are on the appropriate antibiotic on the day of your appointment. Once again if you have any questions please call our office.

If you can take 2 tablets of ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen sodium (Aleve) before your treatment it will help to reduce inflammation.

Surgical Instructions:

After treatment your tooth and surrounding gum tissue may be slightly tender for several days. This is normal and is no cause for alarm. We suggest you do not chew food on the treated side until your endodontic therapy is complete and your tooth has been covered with a protective restoration provided by your general dentist. Please continue your regular dental hygiene regimen. If you find you have discomfort we suggest taking ibuprofen (Advil), aspirin or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed.

Our office telephone is answered day and night. If you need to call us after hours please have your pharmacy number available. Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to call us at (703) 534-4884

What takes place after Root Canal Treatment?

Your root canal system has been permanently sealed however the outer surface is sealed with a temporary solution. We will always send a report to your dentist about your treatment and its completion.

Your tooth is now prone to fracture after endodontic treatment so it is important to chew on the other side until your restorative dentist has placed a core build up and protective restoration on the tooth, which is usually a crown. Therefore, you will need to make a follow-up appointment with your general dentist for purposes of restoring the tooth and preventing against a fracture and decay. This should be done within a few weeks of the completed root canal. Your dentist will decide the type or restoration needed. Please know it is rare for endodontic patients to experience complications after root canal treatment or microsurgery. If a problem does occur we are here at all times to assist you.

In case of an Emergency:

If you require emergency care please call our office at 703-534-4884. If you call after hours leave a message for the on-call doctor on our phone message triage system. You will receive a return call from our on-call doctor.